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Michael Finewax

The Week Ahead

The Final Week of the Season

It's the final week of the season and the last column of the year for The Week Ahead. Best of luck to everyone who is still in contention in their pools and good luck in all playoff pools.

On that note, we at Rotoworld are going to do a playoff pool. We are looking for participants to go against our writers. Spots are limited so if you are interested, please e-mail me at the address below and tell me why you deserve a spot in the pool. I look forward to hearing from you.

INJURIESAnze Kopitar broke his ankle and is out the rest of the season. Click here to check out all the injured players in the NHL.

ANAHEIM

Games this weekvs. San Jose, vs. Los Angeles, @ Los Angeles

NotesThe Ducks play three games in four nights so expect to see Jonas Hiller and Ray Emery to split the net. They end the season with a home-and-home series against their cross-town rivals in Los Angeles, so look for George Parros and Brad Winchester to add to their penalty minute totals. Corey Perry is one of the hottest players in the NHL with 18 points in his last 10 games and he now leads all scorers with 46 goals. Teemu Selanne is having an amazing season at age 40 with 28 goals and 76 points in 68 games. Jonas Hiller is still experiencing good and bad days as he tries to recover from vertigo.

ATLANTA

Games this week@ Nashville, @ New York Rangers, vs. Carolina, vs. Pittsburgh

NotesThe Thrashers play four times this week including three games in four nights so look for Chris Mason to share the net with Ondrej Pavelec as coach Craig Ramsay wants to split the goaltending the rest of the way. Atlanta will be a tired team on Friday when they play a rested Carolina team as the Thrashers are in New York to play the Rangers on Thursday. Bryan Little has scored three times in the past six games after going 16 games without finding the back of the net.

BOSTON

Games this week@ New York Rangers, vs. New York Islanders, vs. Ottawa, @ New Jersey

NotesThe Bruins play four times this week so expect to see Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask share the net. The Bruins are rested on Monday when they face the Rangers as New York play in Philadelphia Sunday. Shawn Thornton accused the Chicago Blackhawks bench of taunting him after he was injured on Tuesday when he was cut accidentally by the skate of Fernando Pisani. Zdeno Chara has two goals and seven points in his last six games. Mark Recchi said he will retire at the end of the 2010-11 season if Boston wins the Stanley Cup.

BUFFALO

Games this weekvs. Tampa Bay, vs. Philadelphia, @ Columbus

NotesDerek Roy skated by himself for 25 minutes this past week. Jhonas Enroth started on Wednesday with the injury to Ryan Miller and shutout the Rangers in a big win. Miller should return on the weekend. Thomas Vanek leads the Sabres with 27 power play points while Cody McCormick leads with 142 penalty minutes.

CALGARY

Games this weekvs. Edmonton, vs. Vancouver

NotesThe Flames end the season as the only team to play twice this week. We recommend benching all your Flame players with the exception of Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. The Flames are rested on Wednesday when they face a tired Edmonton team as the Oilers are at home against the Canucks on Tuesday. Iginla needs only three points to hit the 1,000 point mark heading into games on Friday. Mark Giordano has a goal and five assists in his last three games. Daymond Langkow is scheduled to return to action on April 1 for the first time in over a year.

CAROLINA

Games this weekvs. Detroit, @ Atlanta, vs. Tampa Bay

NotesThe Hurricanes play three times in four nights, but unless Carolina has been eliminated from post-season consideration, expect to see only Cam Ward in goal rather than Justin Peters. The Hurricanes are rested on Friday when they play a tired Atlanta team. Do not forget about Jamie McBain next season. The rookie defenseman has seven goals and 28 points and sees lots of ice time on the power play. Jeff Skinner is now up to 29 goals this season, second to Logan Couture amongst rookies.

CHICAGO

Games this week@ Montreal, vs. St. Louis, @ Detroit, vs. Detroit

NotesThe Blackhawks play three games in four nights so look for Marty Turco to play once, especially if Chicago has already clinched a playoff spot. Chicago ends the season with a home-and-home series against Detroit, a possible first round opponent so expect some fisticuffs, even though Detroit fights less than any other team in the NHL. I do not understand why Corey Crawford is not getting any consideration for the Calder Trophy as his stats are as good or better than any rookie this season. Patrick Sharp could return this week. Marcus Kruger has impressed coach Joel Quenneville despite not scoring in four games. Bryan Bickell has moved up to the top line alongside Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

COLORADO

Games this week@ St. Louis, @ Dallas, vs. Dallas, vs. Edmonton

NotesThe Avalanche play four times including three games in four nights so expect to see Brian Elliott and Peter Budaj to share the net. The Avs play a home-and-home series against Dallas so look for Cody McLeod to be involved if there is any rough stuff. Matt Duchene wants to hit the 30 goal mark and needs three in his last six games to do so. He has 62 points this season but only 13 on the power play so that bodes well for next season. Paul Stastny has only 57 points this season but 19 with the man-advantage.

COLUMBUS

Games this week@ Dallas, @ Nashville, vs. Buffalo

NotesThe Blue Jackets are playing out the string this week as they are not making the post-season. They are 0-38 on the power play of late. Rick Nash is out with an undisclosed injury but it could be a groin strain. Blue Jackets prospect Cam Atkinson, who with the club this past week, is one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. Kristian Huselius has started skating again but he may have played his last game for Columbus.

DALLAS

Games this weekvs. Columbus, vs. Colorado, @ Colorado, @ Minnesota

NotesThe Stars play four games this week, including three games in four nights but they could go with Kari Lehtonen down the stretch as they are in the hunt for a playoff spot. They play Colorado in a home-and-home series this week so expect Steve Ott and to add to their penalty minute totals. Jamie Benn had a great March with 16 points in 14 games. Mike Ribeiro has 16 goals and 50 assists and is now second on the Stars in points, trailing only Brad Richards.

It's the final week of the season and the last column of the year for The Week Ahead. Best of luck to everyone who is still in contention in their pools and good luck in all playoff pools.

On that note, we at Rotoworld are going to do a playoff pool. We are looking for participants to go against our writers. Spots are limited so if you are interested, please e-mail me at the address below and tell me why you deserve a spot in the pool. I look forward to hearing from you.

INJURIESAnze Kopitar broke his ankle and is out the rest of the season. Click here to check out all the injured players in the NHL.

ANAHEIM

Games this weekvs. San Jose, vs. Los Angeles, @ Los Angeles

NotesThe Ducks play three games in four nights so expect to see Jonas Hiller and Ray Emery to split the net. They end the season with a home-and-home series against their cross-town rivals in Los Angeles, so look for George Parros and Brad Winchester to add to their penalty minute totals. Corey Perry is one of the hottest players in the NHL with 18 points in his last 10 games and he now leads all scorers with 46 goals. Teemu Selanne is having an amazing season at age 40 with 28 goals and 76 points in 68 games. Jonas Hiller is still experiencing good and bad days as he tries to recover from vertigo.

ATLANTA

Games this week@ Nashville, @ New York Rangers, vs. Carolina, vs. Pittsburgh

NotesThe Thrashers play four times this week including three games in four nights so look for Chris Mason to share the net with Ondrej Pavelec as coach Craig Ramsay wants to split the goaltending the rest of the way. Atlanta will be a tired team on Friday when they play a rested Carolina team as the Thrashers are in New York to play the Rangers on Thursday. Bryan Little has scored three times in the past six games after going 16 games without finding the back of the net.

BOSTON

Games this week@ New York Rangers, vs. New York Islanders, vs. Ottawa, @ New Jersey

NotesThe Bruins play four times this week so expect to see Tim Thomas and Tuukka Rask share the net. The Bruins are rested on Monday when they face the Rangers as New York play in Philadelphia Sunday. Shawn Thornton accused the Chicago Blackhawks bench of taunting him after he was injured on Tuesday when he was cut accidentally by the skate of Fernando Pisani. Zdeno Chara has two goals and seven points in his last six games. Mark Recchi said he will retire at the end of the 2010-11 season if Boston wins the Stanley Cup.

BUFFALO

Games this weekvs. Tampa Bay, vs. Philadelphia, @ Columbus

NotesDerek Roy skated by himself for 25 minutes this past week. Jhonas Enroth started on Wednesday with the injury to Ryan Miller and shutout the Rangers in a big win. Miller should return on the weekend. Thomas Vanek leads the Sabres with 27 power play points while Cody McCormick leads with 142 penalty minutes.

CALGARY

Games this weekvs. Edmonton, vs. Vancouver

NotesThe Flames end the season as the only team to play twice this week. We recommend benching all your Flame players with the exception of Jarome Iginla and Alex Tanguay. The Flames are rested on Wednesday when they face a tired Edmonton team as the Oilers are at home against the Canucks on Tuesday. Iginla needs only three points to hit the 1,000 point mark heading into games on Friday. Mark Giordano has a goal and five assists in his last three games. Daymond Langkow is scheduled to return to action on April 1 for the first time in over a year.

CAROLINA

Games this weekvs. Detroit, @ Atlanta, vs. Tampa Bay

NotesThe Hurricanes play three times in four nights, but unless Carolina has been eliminated from post-season consideration, expect to see only Cam Ward in goal rather than Justin Peters. The Hurricanes are rested on Friday when they play a tired Atlanta team. Do not forget about Jamie McBain next season. The rookie defenseman has seven goals and 28 points and sees lots of ice time on the power play. Jeff Skinner is now up to 29 goals this season, second to Logan Couture amongst rookies.

CHICAGO

Games this week@ Montreal, vs. St. Louis, @ Detroit, vs. Detroit

NotesThe Blackhawks play three games in four nights so look for Marty Turco to play once, especially if Chicago has already clinched a playoff spot. Chicago ends the season with a home-and-home series against Detroit, a possible first round opponent so expect some fisticuffs, even though Detroit fights less than any other team in the NHL. I do not understand why Corey Crawford is not getting any consideration for the Calder Trophy as his stats are as good or better than any rookie this season. Patrick Sharp could return this week. Marcus Kruger has impressed coach Joel Quenneville despite not scoring in four games. Bryan Bickell has moved up to the top line alongside Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.

COLORADO

Games this week@ St. Louis, @ Dallas, vs. Dallas, vs. Edmonton

NotesThe Avalanche play four times including three games in four nights so expect to see Brian Elliott and Peter Budaj to share the net. The Avs play a home-and-home series against Dallas so look for Cody McLeod to be involved if there is any rough stuff. Matt Duchene wants to hit the 30 goal mark and needs three in his last six games to do so. He has 62 points this season but only 13 on the power play so that bodes well for next season. Paul Stastny has only 57 points this season but 19 with the man-advantage.

COLUMBUS

Games this week@ Dallas, @ Nashville, vs. Buffalo

NotesThe Blue Jackets are playing out the string this week as they are not making the post-season. They are 0-38 on the power play of late. Rick Nash is out with an undisclosed injury but it could be a groin strain. Blue Jackets prospect Cam Atkinson, who with the club this past week, is one of three finalists for the Hobey Baker Award. Kristian Huselius has started skating again but he may have played his last game for Columbus.

DALLAS

Games this weekvs. Columbus, vs. Colorado, @ Colorado, @ Minnesota

NotesThe Stars play four games this week, including three games in four nights but they could go with Kari Lehtonen down the stretch as they are in the hunt for a playoff spot. They play Colorado in a home-and-home series this week so expect Steve Ott and to add to their penalty minute totals. Jamie Benn had a great March with 16 points in 14 games. Mike Ribeiro has 16 goals and 50 assists and is now second on the Stars in points, trailing only Brad Richards.

DETROIT

Games this week@ Carolina, vs. Chicago, @ Chicago

NotesThe Red Wings play a home-and-home series against the Blackhawks to end their season. Look for Justin Abdelkader and Todd Bertuzzi to handle any rough stuff if need be. The Red Wings are struggling at home as they are 10-12-4 of late after starting the season with a 10-1-2 record. Jimmy Howard was not seriously injured and is expected to return to the Detroit lineup on April 2. Pavel Datsyuk also hopes to return from a six game absence on April 2.

EDMONTON

Games this weekvs. Vancouver, @ Calgary, vs. Minnesota, @ Colorado

NotesThe Oilers play four times this week including three games in four nights as they end their season. Look for Nikolai Khabibulin and Devan Dubnyk to share the net this week. They are a tired team on Wednesday when they face a rested Calgary team, but are rested on Friday when they face Minnesota who play the Canucks in Vancouver the previous night. Gilbert Brule is ready to return from a concussion.

FLORIDA

Games this week@ Washington, @ Tampa Bay, vs. Washington

NotesThe Panthers play three games in four nights so look for Scott Clemmensen to play once in place of Tomas Vokoun. Vokoun could be playing his last games in a Florida uniform as he is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. The Panthers are rested on Wednesday when they play Washington as the Capitals play in Toronto on Tuesday. The tables are turned on Saturday when Florida is the tired team as they face a rested Washington squad. The Panthers and Capitals square off twice this week so expect to seeDarcy Hordichuk fight if needed. David Booth looks like he will play a full season after missing most of last season with a concussion.

NotesThe Wild play three games in four nights so expect to see Jose Theodore play once in place of Niklas Backstrom. They will be a tired team on Friday when they play the Oilers in Edmonton after traveling from Vancouver where they play the Canucks on Thursday. John Madden is leaning towards retiring if he can't re-sign with the Wild. Martin Havlat's ice time was reduced severely in the last couple of weeks.

MONTREAL

Games this weekvs. Chicago, @ Ottawa, @ Toronto

NotesMichael Cammalleri is having a tough offensive season but has been injured most of the season. Do not forget about him next season. Benoit Pouliot has been a bit of a pleasant surprise as he has 13 goals, 30 points and 83 penalty minutes this season. His plus-four rating will not hurt either. James Wisniewski has 29 points on the power play this season. Carey Price has had a stellar season, proving to Hab fans that the team traded the right netminder in Jaroslav Halak. Price has 35 wins this season with a .921 save percentage.

NASHVILLE

Games this weekvs. Atlanta, vs. Columbus, @ St. Louis

NotesThe Predators will be tired on Saturday when they face the rested Blues as Nashville play Columbus the previous night. The Predators have had great goaltending from Pekka Rinne who has played in 38 of the last 42 games. Martin Erat leads the Predators with 48 points this season including six goals and 15 points in 15 games in March. Jordin Tootoo had three points in his last four games before getting hit into the end boards on Thursday. Mike Fisher has three goals and an assist in his last three games after going 12 games without a point.

NEW JERSEY

Games this week@ Pittsburgh, vs. Toronto, @ New York Rangers, vs. Boston

NotesThe Devils made a valiant comeback this season after being dead last in the NHL for the first four months of the season. They finish the season with four games this week. Zach Parise is scheduled to return to the lineup on April 2 after missing the last 64 games. Ilya Kovalchuk is closing in on the 30 goal mark, a great achievement considering his awful start to the season. He currently at 28 with 26 assists, but his minus-22 rating really hurt his fantasy value this season.

NEW YORK ISLANDERS

Games this week@ Boston, vs. Pittsburgh, @ Philadelphia

NotesThe Islanders play three games in four nights so expect to see Rick DiPietro and Al Montoya share the net. Montoya has been a pleasant surprise this season as he is 9-4-4 with a .923 save percentage and a 2.33 goals-against average. Frans Nielsen will be a nice sleeper candidate next season. Doug Weight (back) is seriously considering retirement as the veteran only managed to play in 18 games this season.

NEW YORK RANGERS

Games this weekvs. Boston, vs. Atlanta, vs. New Jersey

NotesThe Rangers are tired on Monday as they face a rested Bruins team. Mats Zuccarello-Aasen returned to the Rangers lineup on Thursday after being a healthy scratch the previous two games as Wojtek Wolski sat out. Sean Avery has played in the last three games after being a healthy scratch in five of the previous six. He has had two fights in the last week. Marian Gaborik is slumping as he has only one assist in his last five games.

OTTAWA

Games this weekvs. Philadelphia, vs. Montreal, @ Boston

NotesThe Senators signed highly sought after college free agent Stephane Da Costa a two-year entry-level contract. He will play on April 2 against the Maple Leafs. Jason Spezza has five goals and 14 points in his last 11 games. They have been getting great goaltending from Craig Anderson. Daniel Alfredsson skated this week for the first time since being injured in early February. He could return next week.

PHILADELPHIA

Games this week@ Ottawa, @ Buffalo, vs. New York Islanders

NotesChris Pronger had a setback and will not return this week. Claude Giroux leads the team in points with 71 and is a plus-18. The Flyers have three players with more than 60 points as well as Jeff Carter, Daniel Briere and Mike Richards have 64, 63 and 62 points respectively. The Flyers are heading into the playoffs with Sergei Bobrovsky as their number one netminder. He is 28-12-6 this season with a 2.49 GAA and a .918 save percentage.

PHOENIX

Games this week@ Los Angeles, vs. San Jose, @ San Jose

NotesThe Coyotes play three games in four nights so look for Jason LaBarbera to get at least one start in goal for Phoenix this week as they should rest Ilya Bryzgalov for the playoffs. The Coyotes play the Sharks in a home-and-home series to end the season so Paul Bissonnette could add to his penalty minute totals. The Coyotes sent Oliver Ekman-Larsson to the minors. Ed Jovanovski has started skating as he hopes to return for the playoffs from an orbital bone injury on Feb. 17. Ilya Bryzgalov has tied for the franchise record for career wins with 129 with Bob Essensa.

PITTSBURGH

Games this weekvs. New Jersey, @ New York Islanders, @ Atlanta

NotesSidney Crosby is back skating with the team and could be returning to action in the playoffs. While we would not recommend him in playoff pools just yet, the news is encouraging as he seems to not have any effects of the concussion that has plagued him in 2011. Marc-Andre Fleury is 34-20-5 this season with a .918 save percentage and a 2.32 goals-against average. Crosby will lead the Penguins in points despite being out since Jan. 5 as he has a 17 point lead on defenseman Kris Letang.

ST. LOUIS

Games this weekvs. Colorado, @ Chicago, vs. Nashville

NotesThe Blues are rested on Saturday when they take on a tired Nashville team. T.J. Oshie missed practice on Monday and was banished from playing the next two games by the team. He has apologized to everyone and will return to the lineup. Chris Stewart has five goals and two assists in his last four games. Alexander Steen (high ankle sprain) was on the ice for the first time on March 28 after removing his protective boot the previous day. Stewart has 12 power play goals this season.

SAN JOSE

Games this weekvs. Los Angeles, @ Anaheim, @ Phoenix, vs. Phoenix

NotesThe Sharks play four times this week including three games in four nights so look for Antero Niittymaki (if healthy) to play once in place of Antti Niemi. The Sharks play a home-and-home series to end the season against the Coyotes. Jamal Mayers and Ben Eager could add to their penalty minute count. Patrick Marleau has been red-hot of late with eight goals and six assists in his last eight games. Joe Thornton is only three points away from 1,000 points.

TAMPA BAY

Games this week@ Buffalo, vs. Florida, @ Carolina

NotesCongratulations to the Tampa Bay Lightning who clinched their first playoff spot in four years this week. Martin St. Louis hit the 30 goal mark for the fifth time in his career. He is second in the NHL in both points with 92 and assists with 62. Ryan Malone returned to action on Thursday after being out since Feb. 8 with an abdominal strain. The Lightning will use him in four of the remaining six games. Steve Stamkos has a goal and two assists in his last two games after going five games without a point.

TORONTO

Games this weekvs. Washington, @ New Jersey, vs. Montreal

NotesThere have not been many hotter teams than the Maple Leafs since the All-Star break as they have the third best record in the NHL. Unfortunately for their faithful fans, the team started its playoff run too late and it is unlikely they will make the post-season as they are trailing the Rangers by five points and have only four games remaining. James Reimer continues to sparkle in the nets but remember Steve Mason was outstanding in his rookie year before falling back so there should be some caution taken before grabbing him next season. Phil Kessel is on a six game scoring streak.

NotesThe Capitals end the season with a home-and-home series with the Panthers. They are the tired team on Wednesday when they play Florida as Washington is in Toronto on Tuesday, but they are rested on Saturday as the Panthers are in Tampa Bay the previous night. Dennis Wideman has a hematoma in his right leg and could miss the beginning of the playoffs. John Carlson will need to pick up his game as Mike Green is also currently missing from the Washington lineup. Alex Ovechkin is one goal away from 30.

LAST WEEK'S PLAYERSThis is how the players performed through Thursday G A PPP +/- PIMS